Elder (Abraham, the Servant of God) 1914

"Elder (Abraham, the Servant of God)" is a 1914 painting by Russian artist Mikhail Nesterov. The painting depicts a lone elder standing by a pond in a dense forest, gazing at the water's reflection. The elder is dressed in traditional Russian peasant clothing, while the surrounding forest creates a sense of solitude and contemplation. This work exemplifies Nesterov's "Religious Revival" style, where he combined Realism with Symbolist elements, often referencing Russian Orthodox themes. The painting is reminiscent of the iconic “Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog”, a famous painting by Caspar David Friedrich. It's a compelling image that evokes themes of faith, introspection, and connection to nature.